New date set for Housing & Homelessness Roadshow

Noosa residents impacted by the housing crisis are urged to attend the upcoming Housing & Homelessness Roadshow. 

Haig from Youturn takes delivery of meals from Good Shepherd Lutheran College students for the Emergency relief program, which has seen significant demand as residents contend with rising housing costs.

“The event will connect Noosa residents who are struggling to find accommodation with a wide range of agencies that can help – all in one place,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

The event will be held on October 26 after being postponed in August due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

“With the housing issues affecting so many local residents, we’re pleased to be working with Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Network, Youturn and a host of other agencies to make sure this event goes ahead in Noosa,” Cr Stewart said.

As well as link people in need with a wide range of different services, the roadshow aims to raise community awareness about homelessness.

Coast2Bay Housing Group, St Vincent de Paul Noosa, IFYS, Youturn, QSTARS (a free independent advice and referral service for all Queensland renters) Services Australia (Centrelink) and Rent Connect are among the organisations that will be represented on the day.

Council’s Community Development Officer, Kylie Finigan, said residents could also enjoy a free breakfast, get a free haircut, collect clothes and toiletries from the Vinnies pop-up shop, and participate in the “hidden voices of our town” community art project.

“We’ll be holding the roadshow in conjunction with our usual Social Services Hub at Tait-Duke Community Cottage, with more give-aways and engagement activities.”

Youturn’s CEO, Dr Tanya Bell, said homelessness was reaching new levels, with many people who’d never before been homeless suddenly left with nowhere to go.

“Over the last year, our Sunshine Coast-Noosa community has seen low rental stock, skyrocketing rents and fierce competition for housing and we are finding that many “working poor” long term local people, needing support for the first time. Youturn’s frontline supports are in demand to ensure young people and young families pushed to the fringes of our community can rebuild their connection.”

For those who have been affected by the housing crisis, do come along to Noosa’s Housing & Homelessness Roadshow which will be held on Tuesday, October 26, from 9.30am to 12pm at Tait-Duke Community Cottage, 14 Earl Street Tewantin.